Welcome to Vermont Large Animal Clinic

Full Ambulatory Equine Practice with Medical and Surgical Center

Sam came to VLAC in 2012 for a technician externship and has come back to fill the head technician position after completing her Associates in Veterinary Technology at Becker College in Massachusetts. She is a Vermont native and loves spending time outdoors with her dogs Lola and MJ. Sam also rides hunter jumper whenever she gets the opportunity.

Heather is a Vermont native and graduate from the University of Vermont with her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science with a minor in Business Management. Outside of work, Heather loves spending time outdoors gardening, riding her horse Rio, snuggling with her pup Rowan, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Amber Goodwin grew up riding horses on the north shore of Massachusetts. She competed in the hunters and equitation up to and through high school and received a scholarship to ride in college for Texas A&M University's Division 1 Equestrian Team. She earned her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in Animal Science in 2011, while also receiving 3 national championships with the equestrian team during her time in Texas. Amber was accepted to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012, and after a year at Ross University she transferred to Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine where she received her DVM in 2016. After completing her internship at VLAC, Dr. Amber joined the VLAC team as a full-time associate. Amber's interests include equine sports medicine, theriogenology, and alternative medicine. Amber has always had a deep love for animals and enjoys spending time with her dog Sophie (pictured), who she adopted during her time at Ross University in St. Kitts in the Caribbean.

Dr. Isa Francisco grew up in the Philippines, where she rode and showed jumpers until coming to the U.S. for college. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Dartmouth College and then went on to complete her DVM at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Her professional interests include diagnostic ultrasound, emergency medicine, and equine sports medicine. She also hopes to make international outreach a part of her career through working equid medicine. In her spare time Isa loves reading, cooking Filipino food, and singing along to musical theater. She loves exploring New England and is thrilled to be working and living in beautiful Vermont! 

Dr. Cataford-Sauvé is originally from Montreal, Quebec and grew up riding jumpers every moment she could. She adopted her lesson horse, Avatar 8 years ago, and since adopted a trail horse Kigalie (pictured) and jumper Azalée. She started off Veterinary School at Ross University in St. Kitts and transferred back home to Université de Montreal one year later, where she earned her DVM in 2018. Her professional interests include Sports Equine Medicine, Rehabilitation, Neonatal and Surgery. Outside of veterinary medicine, Gabrielle enjoys trail riding with her dogs, Kaia and Melia, snuggling with her cat Joey, travelling the world and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Dr. Spector grew up north of Baltimore, MD, where she participated in a variety of horse sports and was active in a local chapter of the United States Pony Clubs. While attending Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, she completed an externship at VLAC. After receiving her DVM in 2013, Dr. Spector completed an internship at a referral hospital near San Antonio, TX. She then returned to the northeast, joining an equine practice near Saratoga Springs, NY, where she focused on sports medicine and dentistry. She is excited to return to VLAC for the next chapter of her career in equine medicine. When not at work, Dr. Spector enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, especially with her husband, Peter, a Vermont native. You may also find her reading a book with their Siamese cat, Myron, purring on her lap.

Dr. Ludwig graduated form the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. In 2013, Dr. Ludwig completed a one-year medicine and surgery internship at Vermont Large Animal Clinic and received her certification in veterinary acupuncture from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ludwig went on to complete a residency in large animal surgery at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. During her surgical residency, Dr. Ludwig received a Master of Science degree in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, with her research focused on equine septic arthritis. Aside from equine surgery, Dr. Ludwig's special interests include advanced equine dentistry, acupuncture, and surgical care of small ruminants and pet pigs.

Dr. van Harreveld graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. In 1997, Dr. Phil completed a one year internship in Equine Medicine and Surgery at Kansas State University. In 2000, he completed an equine surgery residency at Kansas State University. In 2001, Dr. Phil was certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in equine surgery. During his surgical residency, Dr. Phil received a Masters Degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences from Kansas State University for research work in the field of equine joint and bone biomechanics. Dr. Phil's special interests include lameness examination, soft tissue and reproductive surgery, and the management of medical and surgical equine colic.